A storm out of the Pacific Northwest threatens heavy rainfall, flash flooding, rivers of mud and debris in areas denuded by wildfire, high surf, perilous rip currents and winds gusting at as much as 70 miles per hour.

A wildfire that surged amid high heat and dry winds in drought conditions brought evacuation orders for more than 20,000 homes in and around San Diego, but all residents were told they could return home Tuesday night just a few hours later as cooler, calmer darkness fell.